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Autism Spectrum Diagnostic ToolsADOS, ADI-R and PDDBI Help Professionals Diagnose PDDs
Making a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder is made easier with the use of one of several industry-standard diagnostic tools.
As autism spectrum disorders become more prevalent, certain diagnostic tools have emerged as industry standards. Certain types of professionals are better equipped at diagnosing autism spectrum disorders and many choose one of the three following assessments when examining a patient: the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) and the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory (PDDBI). Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)Published by Western Psychological Services, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) has quickly become the leading assessment used by clinicians when an autism spectrum disorder is suspected. The interactive assessment has modules tailored for individuals that range in age from toddlerhood to adulthood. The modules are also customized for both nonverbal and verbal patients. According to the Western Psychological Services website, “The ADOS consists of various activities that allow you to observe social and communication behaviors related to the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders. These activities provide interesting, standard contexts in which interaction can occur.” Scores that result from the assessment can lead a professional to diagnose either the more general pervasive developmental disorder or the more specific diagnosis of autistic disorder. Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R)Often used in conjunction with the ADOS, the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R), is also published by Western Psychological Services. This tool has been used by clinicians for decades and allows a parent or caregiver to answer a series of questions about a child or adult’s behavior. As long as the patient being assessed has a mental age of 2 years 0 months or higher, the ADI-R can be used. The ADI-R consists of 93 questions that fall under one of three functional domains: language/communications, reciprocal social interactions and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behavior and interests. These functional domains also follow the diagnostic criteria set forth for autism spectrum disorders in the DSM-IV. Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory (PDDBI)The PDDBI is published by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc and is tailored towards children from age 1.6 to 12.5 years. The PDDBI contains rating forms that can be filled out by parents, caregivers and teachers. Clinicians typically request that more than one PDDBI questionnaire be filled out on a patient. It is not unusual for a parent and a teacher to fill out the PDDBI as it provides the clinician with a broader view of the child’s behavior. The more information that the autism professional can receive about a child, the more accurate a subsequent diagnosis will be. These three autism diagnostic tools are the most commonly used assessments by autism professionals today. As more research is done on the nuances of the various autism spectrum disorders, revisions will likely be made to these tools. When considering an autism assessment, it is important to know which tool the clinician will use and their experience level with that tool. Sources: Western Psychological Services Psychological Assessment Resources
The copyright of the article Autism Spectrum Diagnostic Tools in Autism/Asperger's Syndrome is owned by Melissa Hincha-Ownby. Permission to republish Autism Spectrum Diagnostic Tools in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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